THE suspect accused of assassinating the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare has pleaded not guilty to state charges in connection to the brazen Midtown killing.
Luigi Mangione is facing 11 criminal counts after prosecutors said he meticulously planned out Brian Thompson’s killing on December 4 to invoke terror.
Luigi Mangione arrived in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, where he is expected to be arraigned on state chargesAFP or licensors
Mangione pleaded not guilty to state charges in connection with Brian Thompson’s murderAFP or licensors
Protesters gathered outside of Manhattan Criminal Court in support of MangioneGetty Images – Getty
A demonstrator holds a cardboard sign that reads ‘Health over wealth’Reuters
Mangione, who was handcuffed and shackled by the wrists and ankles, emerged at the downtown Manhattan Criminal Courthouse just before 9:30 am on Monday.
The suspect wore a burgundy long-sleeve shirt with a white collar shirt underneath and khaki pants and was flanked by New York detectives who escorted him inside the courtroom.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse in frigid temperatures, holding up “Free Luigi” and anti-insurance signs.
The demonstrators held up cardboard signs that read “Health over wealth” and “Deny, defense, depose” – the three words prosecutors said Mangione engraved on the shell casings of three bullets he used to assassinate Thompson, 50.
Moments before the court hearing began, several young women in their 20s waited in line to enter the courthouse to attend Mangione’s arraignment, according to WCBS-TV.
Some of the women told the outlet it was “the first time they’ve come for a court case,” and they were there to support Mangione.
Mangione arrived in New York on Thursday after being extradited from Pennsylvania and was immediately placed in federal custody after federal prosecutors unsealed a four-count indictment against the Ivy League graduate, 26.
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